The Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Institutional Epidemiological Study

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a malignant epithelial neoplasm, is a major health concern in the Indian subcontinent, ranking among the top three cancers. With increasing reports of OSCC affecting younger individuals and variations in site-specific prevalence, targeted epidemiological research is crucial. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the demographic and clinical prevalence of OSCC in a rural South Indian population. Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at Adhiparasakthi Dental College and Hospital, Melmaruvathur. The study analyzed 90 histopathologically confirmed OSCC cases from 2021 to 2023. Data was collected on patient demographics, specific oral cavity sites affected, and etiological factors, including tobacco and alcohol use, and statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-squared test.  Results Among the 90 participants, 51.1% were males and 48.9% were females. Most cases, 55 (61.1%), were aged between 51 and 75 years. The left buccal mucosa was the most common site for OSCC, accounting for 35.6% of cases. This was followed by the right buccal mucosa with 18.9%, and the lateral border of the tongue with 14.4%. Etiologically, 42% of participants used only smokeless tobacco, and 12% used both smoke and smokeless tobacco. Moderately differentiated OSCC was the most prevalent histological type, accounting for 52.2% of cases. Conclusion The study highlights a significant prevalence of OSCC in rural areas, emphasizing the need for targeted preventive measures, education, early detection, and improved healthcare access to reduce the disease burden in these regions. The findings also suggest a potential link between site-specific tobacco placement and lesion location, meriting further investigation.